Welcome to Chaparral! We’re thrilled to feature new poems by Los Angeles icon Wanda Coleman. For over thirty years, Coleman has been publishing poetry described as “prescient,” “darkly humorous,” and “iconoclastic.” These new pieces do not disappoint. The issue also features work by LA poets Alejandro Escude and Michelle Bitting, among other local new voices. The two interviews—one with Houston-based poet Amanda Auchter and another with Katherine Rauk from Minneapolis—showcase the process of putting together two beautiful new books of poetry. It’s an eclectic round-up. Happy reading!